How to choose the right motorbike helmet

The brain is the most complicated and fragile organ in the human body, so it’s
vital to invest in a safe, well-fitting and appropriate helmet. We ask the
head of Bell's motorbike helmet division, Chris Sackett, for some tips

It may be tempting to put fashion and price ahead of dull attributes like EU safety standards, but you need to consider the whole package when buying a new helmet. Government advice says it will last five years, so it makes sense to choose well.

Chris Sackett, vice-president of Bell Helmets, sums it up nicely when he tells me: “Dress for the crash, not the ride.”

“We always recommend full-face helmets, the more coverage the better. You’re definitely going to have more protection. Not everyone wants to hear that, a lot of folks out there want to feel the road,” he said.

The first thing to check is that a helmet passes either British or EU safety standards. The easiest way is to look at the SHARP website run by the Department for Transport. This shows which standards a helmet meets and the results of independent crash tests – every lid gets a star rating from one to five, with higher numbers being safer.

Next up is fit. Even the safest helmet will fail you if it’s so loose that it comes off in a crash – sobering EU research shows that this happens in 12 per cent of accidents.

“If you have improper fit, the helmet’s not going to do the correct job. The helmet’s going to move around a lot, it’s going to buffet, it’s going to create problems with fatigue, tension in the neck. You don’t want the helmet rotating around," says Sackett.

“You want it to be snug, almost to the point of being uncomfortable. You only want the skin to move, you don’t want the padding to move against the skin, this would mean the helmet is likely too big. It’s really important to find the helmet that fits your head the best. You’ve got different head shapes around the world, they have anomalies. You could have a lump on one side and not on the other.”

When you try one on in a shop you should keep it on for a few minutes. It may be a bit embarrassing, but it could show up uncomfortable pressure points that aren't immediately obvious.

Another thing to consider is colour and design. A matt black bike with matching leathers and helmet may look pretty cool, but you won't be very visible. And with lots of accidents being caused by drivers pulling out from side roads without spotting oncoming riders, this is well worth considering.

“It’s important from a safety aspect that you purchase something to make you more visible,” says the Bell boss. “Not everyone wants a bright orange helmet, but picking something that’s got some contrast allows motorists to see you.”

Once safety, fit and colour are sorted, there are still a few things to consider: ventilation, for one. In hot weather you need good airflow to keep cool, but you also need to be able to close that off when it’s cold and rainy. There’s only so much you can do to test this in a shop so reading reviews of your helmet shortlist is a wise move. They will also be able to tell you how noisy the helmets are, which is a function both of the shape and finish of the product, and what bike you ride.

Removable liners are another nice feature to look out for. As Sackett says, "these can get pretty grimy, especially if you’re riding every day”. Being able to remove it once in a while and pop it in the washing machine could make life on the bike far more pleasant.

Here in the UK we also need to be pragmatic about wet, clammy days, where visors can steam up. The Pinlock anti-fog system is currently very popular and available for a wide range of helmets. If your choice doesn't come pre-fitted with something comparable it may be worth investing a few extra pounds.

Three options to consider

This smaller helmet has been designed to suit teenagers, women and men with smaller heads. It comes equipped with nine air vents, an "aeroflap" to reduce wind noise and a Pinlock anti-fog visor as standard.

This is one of Bell's latest helmets, but looks like it has stepped straight out of the 60's - with none of the safety compromises you have to make with an open-face retro helmet. With leather trim and a bubble visor this really stands out from the crowd.

The sports-orientated NXR has improved aerodynamics and ventilation as well as an absorbent and quick-drying interior - good for long, hot days on the road. It also comes as standard with a Pinlock fog-free Lens.